Russian War Crimes in Mariupol. Part I
Russian War Crimes in Mariupol. Part I
On May 21, 2022, Mariupol was fully occupied by Russian forces. Since Russia’s invasion began, numerous war crimes have been committed by Russian authorities and armed forces. Mariupol has been among the hardest-hit cities, where thousands are estimated to have died, and vast areas of the city were destroyed. Three years on, the tragedy of Mariupol continues, and the full extent of the devastation remains unclear. The exact number of casualties, both military and civilian, is unknown due to lack of access for Ukrainian investigators and the UN mission.
The Siege of Mariupol
From February to late April 2022, Mariupol was likely Ukraine’s deadliest location. The intensity and scale of fighting, destruction, death, and injuries clearly indicate severe violations of international humanitarian and human rights law. Up to 90% of residential buildings and around 60% of private homes were damaged or destroyed. Approximately 350,000 residents were forced to flee the city, with at least 25,000 fatalities reported.
Airstrike on Mariupol Hospital
On March 9, 2022, Mariupol’s maternity and children’s hospital suffered a severe attack resulting in 3 deaths and approximately 17 injuries, including a pregnant woman and her subsequently delivered child, who later died from injuries sustained. The hospital was clearly identified and operational at the time of the attack. The OSCE Special Monitoring Mission concluded that the hospital was destroyed by a Russian strike without effective warning, constituting a clear breach of international humanitarian law and a war crime.
Airstrike on Mariupol Theater
On March 16, 2022, Russian aircraft attacked the Donetsk Academic Regional Drama Theater in Mariupol, likely using two 500 kg bombs. Hundreds of civilians were sheltering in and around the theater, clearly marked as a civilian facility. The Russian word “CHILDREN” was written in large letters outside the building, visible from the air. Local authorities reported approximately 300 fatalities, while an Associated Press investigation suggested up to 600 people might have died.
Battle for Azovstal
During the siege of Mariupol, the Azovstal steel plant became one of the most symbolic points of resistance. By late April, Azovstal was the last stronghold of Ukrainian defense in the city, with about 3,000 soldiers and civilians sheltering in its tunnels and bunkers for two months. The defenders faced constant shelling with minimal supplies of water, food, and medicine. Evacuations, organized by Ukraine with assistance from the UN and the International Committee of the Red Cross, allowed civilians to escape, but attacks continued intermittently. On May 6, an evacuation vehicle was struck, killing three Ukrainian soldiers and wounding six.